Dry spell sparks threat

A SPATE of bushfires in the Western Division has prompted authorities to renew calls for caution as the dry season continues.

Yesterday, a blaze at the Teidamu hills outside Lautoka charred a series of electricity posts as firefighters struggled to contain the inferno.

The smoke blanketed parts of the Kings Rd and halted traffic, including two Total petrol tankers that were forced to park at a safe distance for two hours as the fire was brought under control.

"Due to the dry weather, we are urging members of the public and the wider community to refrain from starting bush and grassfires," pleaded National Fire Authority chief executive officer John O'Connor.

"As a result of these out of control fires, two properties were lost in Lomolomo and Labasa this last week alone.